They Grow Up Fast. Like Embarrasingly Fast.
One day you're bringing a newborn home from the hospital. Then somehow it's the first day of kindergarten. Then senior portraits. Then they're gone and you are standing in a quiet house wondering where the years went.
You know you want photos. Real ones. Not the blurry iPhone shots you keep meaning to organize. Not the awkward big-box-studio experience that left everyone cranky and the backgrounds looking like 1987.
You want something you will actually hang on your wall. Something that looks like your family, not a stock photo of a family.
That is exactly what we do here.
Hi, I'm Michele. I make this part easy.
Hi, I'm Michele. I make this part easy.
I have been a full-time portrait photographer in Chicago for 16 years. I have photographed hundreds of families, thousands of kids, and more dogs than I can count. (My rescue pup Jett approves of the last part.)
My studio is in Lakeview, right in the heart of Chicago, and it is designed to feel nothing like a photo studio. It feels like a great afternoon with someone who genuinely loves what she does.
Here is what I know for certain: you do not need to have it all together to have a beautiful portrait session. You just need to show up. I handle everything else.
How It Works
1
Reach out
Getting to know each other is a huge part of what makes a great session. It puts everyone at ease and sets us up for success! We will go over your goals for the session, wardrobe and styling, and location ideas to design the perfect session for you.
2
Session
All of the preplanning is done - now relax and let us do what we do best! Fun-filled, happy and carefree, sessions with Michele are anything but stressful. It's your time to love on your family and she will create image magic for you. Enjoy your session and you will marvel at how quick and easy it was - even dad and the kids will have fun!
3
Reveal+Order
This is the best part! 1-2 weeks after your photo session, you’ll come back to the studio to see your edited images. During this appointment we will work together to design something beautiful for your home. From large gallery walls or an album, to simple displays, we will create the perfect artwork for your family. Your complete order will be placed at this meeting, so we highly encourage you to have all decision-makers present.
4
Delivery
In 3-4 weeks your artwork will be ready. We are happy to arrange shipping or delivery and installation for you. Once your portraits are hanging on your wall you can enjoy them for years to come! And that's not all - many of our families visit us year after year to update their gallery walls or album collection with their changing family. We love seeing you each year and watching your family grow.
Chicago Portrait Photography for Every Chapter
Because this exact version of your family only exists right now.
Families
SENIORS
Senior year deserves more than a gym backdrop and a cap + Gown.
Yes, your pet counts as family. We take this very seriously
PETS
NEWBORNS
They will never be this small again. let's document every inch.
CHILDREN
Tiny humans. Big personalities. Zero chill. Just what we love.
Don't Take Our Word For It...
A Studio That Feels Nothing Like a Studio
Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, the Michele Taylor Photography studio is designed for real families, wiggly kids, and dogs who have never been told to sit still.
Natural light. Beautiful backdrops. A space where everyone can relax, loosen up, and actually have fun.
Ready to make it happen?
Your family is not going to stay this age forever. (Trust me, I have seen it happen a thousand times.) Let's get something on the calendar.
Serving Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods including Lakeview, Northcenter, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Edgewater, Ukrainian Village, West Town, West Loop and beyond.
